Motor vehicle garages are not allowed to warrant bikes without a rear vision mirror and drivers would be subject to a fine, according to the Cook Islands Police.

Police media and strategic adviser Trevor Pitt says bikes depicted on social media or advertised by those selling motorcycles after they may have been revamped and customised are not road worthy due to the lack of rear vision mirrors. 

In terms of customising motorcycles, he said police know of businesses that sell coloured lights and other paraphernalia to “pimp the bikes up”, which can render them illegal on the road. 

In terms of fines for warrants of fitness, he said there has been a downturn in the number of tickets being issued. 

A quick check around town will reveal there are a large number of bikes without mirrors, Pitt added.

In a two-day road checkpoint exercise in July, Police were overwhelmed by the number of non-compliant vehicles as many drivers evaded being fined. Only 34 managed to be processed for failing to maintain the required documentation, such as warrants of fitness and annual registration.

Pitt further added that importing and selling unapproved safety helmets is against the law.